Within the quiet walls of the Celestial Sect, Lin Hai sat cross-legged beneath the spirit-flower tree. The wind gently rustled its crystal-blue leaves, casting a shimmering light over his still form. Despite the calm exterior, Lin Hai's thoughts were restless.
For the past few months, he had thrown himself into intense training—refining his qi, mastering combat techniques, studying ancient scrolls, and trying to understand the cryptic words of Elder Yun Yi. Yet... something felt incomplete.
"Why can't I break through…?" he thought, exhaling slowly. He was stuck just before the threshold of the King's Realm. Every time he tried to break through, it felt as if invisible chains held him down.
Perhaps it was his inexperience. Or maybe... what he lacked wasn't strength—but life experience.
"I need to see the world outside," he whispered to himself. "Not just through books or scrolls. I need to feel it."
With that resolve, Lin Hai got up and made his way to find his closest friends.
---
They gathered at Xu Min's courtyard, where a small waterfall flowed beside a rock garden. The four of them often came here for tea and conversation.
Xu Min was already there, practicing sword strokes in slow motion. His aura had changed recently—steadier, sharper. He had reached the early stage of the King's Realm.
Lei Fan was lying lazily on a wooden bench, chewing on a spirit herb. "Ugh, don't tell me you dragged us here to talk about cultivation again."
Qing Zhi was trimming a bonsai tree. Calm, graceful, and precise. "He looks serious this time," she said, glancing at Lin Hai.
Lin Hai looked around at his friends and took a deep breath.
"I want to leave the sect. Travel across the Celestial Planet."
Lei Fan sat up, blinking. "...You what?"
"Not forever," Lin Hai explained. "Just... for experience. I want to see the world. I feel like I've hit a wall. I need to explore. Understand people. Life."
Xu Min sheathed his sword with a smile. "Finally! I've been waiting for you to say that."
"You've been waiting?" Lin Hai asked.
Xu Min nodded. "Cultivation isn't just qi and technique. It's also perception. Understanding. Growth. The outside world isn't gentle... but it teaches fast."
Qing Zhi raised a brow. "Do you realize how dangerous the Celestial Planet is? Six continents. Clans. Beast territories. Forgotten ruins. It's not just a scenic tour."
Lin Hai smiled. "That's why I want to go with you all. Together."
Lei Fan grinned. "Now you're talking. I've been dying to get out. My sword's getting bored."
"You barely train it," Qing Zhi muttered.
"Details."
---
After a few more cups of tea and a lot of teasing, the four of them agreed. They would travel—not to another planet, since that required late King's Realm power or access to teleportation points—but across the Celestial Planet they called home.
"Teleportation points are under sect control," Xu Min said. "We'll travel the old-fashioned way."
Before setting off, they had to inform the sect—and get permission. But instead of going to a regular elder, they went straight to Sect Master Yuan Xian himself.
The Sect Master was meditating beside the Starry Pond, his silver robes shimmering with inner light.
"You wish to travel?" he said after listening to them.
"Yes, Sect Master," Lin Hai said, bowing deeply. "We believe it will help our cultivation."
Yuan Xian opened one eye. "Hmph. At least you're honest. I won't stop you. But remember—disciples must complete a mission before leaving the sect."
"We understand," Qing Zhi said, bowing with the rest.
---
Lin Hai went to the Mission and Distribution Hall and received a moderate-rank task: collect hair from the Deep Sea Kangaroo—a rare spirit beast found along the Azure Coast.
"The Deep Sea Kangaroo?" Lei Fan tilted his head. "That's... a weird one."
"Are they dangerous?" Lin Hai asked the clerk.
The clerk gave a tired shrug. "Only if you try to pluck the hair without permission."
---
Next, they visited the Resources Management Hall to receive their traveling gear. Lin Hai collected a storage anklet, with space equal to two large rooms.
Just as they were leaving, a familiar voice echoed through the hall.
"Hmm? Who do we have here?"
It was Elder Yao Jin, returning from a trade trip to one of the lesser-known planets. His white beard fluttered as he approached, a crooked grin on his face.
"Well, well. Look at these little turtles, finally poking their heads out of the shell."
"Elder Yao Jin," Xu Min greeted respectfully.
"I heard you're planning a trip?" Yao Jin chuckled. "Good! Go fall in a swamp or two. Learn what a real spirit beast smells like."
Lei Fan laughed. "We'll try not to die too quickly, Elder."
Yao Jin narrowed his eyes, but there was warmth behind the glare. "Don't get cocky, brat. The Celestial Planet isn't your backyard. Keep your heads low and your blades sharp. Especially you, girl."
Qing Zhi bowed lightly. "I don't plan on dying before these three."
Yao Jin snorted. "And don't forget—some clans out there don't care if you're a disciple of the Celestial Sect."
"We'll be careful," Lin Hai promised.
Elder Yao Jin gave them a nod and turned to leave, muttering, "Youth… always chasing dragons."
---
Just as they stepped outside, they saw a small crowd gathered near the training fields. Five elite disciples stood triumphantly around a giant beast carcass—a Star Beast of the late King's Realm.
"Whoa…" Lei Fan whispered.
"All five of them are mid-stage King's Realm," Qing Zhi said softly.
The group stared in awe. The elite disciples were a reminder of the heights they still had to reach.
"One day," Lin Hai said, fists clenched gently. "We'll be there too."
---
The rest of the day was spent gathering supplies. Spirit herbs, talismans, extra robes, food pills. They visited each other's houses, helping pack, sharing laughs, and making small bets on who would cry first from homesickness.
When the sun finally set, the four stood before the main gate of the Celestial Sect, packs on their backs and weapons ready.
"Are we really doing this?" Lei Fan asked, adjusting his bag.
"We're already outside the door," Xu Min replied.
Qing Zhi smiled slightly. "Then let's go before one of you chickens out."
Lin Hai took a deep breath. "We were once weak… but now, we're strong enough to protect ourselves. It's time we stepped into the world."
Together, they walked out of the gate, not as naive disciples—but as cultivators stepping into a wider, wilder world.
A new journey had begun.